BOURNE AGAIN

Moore the merrier as super sub fires Cherries back into Premier League

BY TONY BANKS

IN the end, Bournemouth held their nerve and were rewarded with a return to the Premier League dreamland.

The pressure was all on Scott Parker’s side to secure the win and avoid a nerve-shredding final-day game with Millwall.

Super sub Kieffer Moore’s strike seven minutes from time eventually took the Cherries back into the top flight after a gap of two years – and saw fans pouring onto the pitch in delirious celebration.

Steve Cooper’s Nottingham Forest now face the lottery of the play-offs.

Forest had history and momentum after nine wins in their previous 10 games. But they faded disastrously and, in the end, Bournemouth were worth their moment, especially after losing in the play-offs last year.

And it was a glorious moment for Wales striker Moore, who had only just recovered from a broken foot to net three goals in two games.

Moore, 29, now set for Premier League football for the first time, said: “This is something I have dreamed about since I was a kid. After my surgery it was how quick I could get back. I thank the staff for that.”

Parker said: “I’m delighted for the fans and my players. They deserve this. We spoke about control and calm. This group is a young team, learning their trade.

“One thing about this group, if we need a result we dig deep and find it.”

The Cherries started brightly, as Philip Billing tested Forest keeper Brice Samba with a dipping shot.

But after that, Cooper’s team took control. Djed Spence found Sam Surridge but the ex-cherries striker smashed his shot against the bar.

Brennan Johnson clipped his shot over then shot straight at Mark Travers. The linesman flag saved Bournemouth when the keeper appeared to bring down Surridge, when the Forest ace looked onside.

Bournemouth improved and Dominic Solanke should have done better than hit the side-netting.

Samba tipped away Jaidon Anthony’s shot as the Cherries surged forward and when Jordan Zemura was fouled, their moment came.

Billing fooled the Forest defence by rolling the set-piece sideways to Moore and the striker coolly curled his shot into the far corner.

Cooper said: “It’s disappointing, but we move on.

“Our season has not finished. We didn’t play well in the second half, but the officials let us down.”